Pennsylvania

In our current age, we are all constantly learning, growing, and navigating a rapidly changing digital landscape. This reality has created a growing need for support systems that help people build confidence in the digital world. Ensuring that everyone can participate fully in that landscape requires intentional, community-based resources.

Broadband is critical to Pennsylvania’s economy, public services, and quality of life, enabling access to work, education, healthcare, and government services. Its importance is especially pronounced in rural and post-industrial communities, where connectivity supports economic opportunity and access to essential resources. Yet major gaps remain: over 130,000 locations lack broadband access, and roughly 2 million households struggle to afford service.

The Mary S. Biesecker Public Library in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, created the Library Internet Checkout Program in partnership with T-Mobile, allowing residents to “checkout” home internet service like they would a book.

T-Mobile has entered into definitive agreements to form two strategic fiber joint ventures (JVs): a 50/50 partnership with Oak Hill Capital to acquire and combine GoNetspeed and Greenlight Networks, and a separate 50/50 joint venture with Wren House to acquire i3 Broadband.

More Pennsylvanians will receive satellite internet service from SpaceX after last-minute changes to the state’s plan to spend more than $700 million in broadband funding. The latest adjustments continue a shift that began in 2025, when the Trump administration, seeking to lower costs, overhauled the rules for a massive broadband grant program. The new version of the state’s plan more than doubles the number of locations that the Elon Musk-owned SpaceX will cover.

A federal official recently added a new wrinkle to Pennsylvania’s plan to use more than $700 million to expand high-speed internet access across the commonwealth.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce has approved 50 out of 56 Final Proposals from states and territories to ensure universal broadband access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. “I am thrilled to announce that NTIA has approved 50 out of 56 Final BEAD Proposals,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth.